Interpersonal-introduction signalling system

ABSTRACT

An interpersonal-introduction signalling system includes a receiving and transmitting transceiver having a relatively short range response and of such size as to permit convenient carrying by a person. A code system defines a plurality of categories, each of which has a particularly identifiable characteristic. Each person carrying a similar receiving and transmitting transceiver can select a particular code to send and a particular code to accept, such that designated information is transmitted and/or received. When accepting a signal or information, a different signal is sent by the receiver to indicate the acceptance to the person transmitting. The transceiver includes an indicator to alert the receiving person and indicate the necessity of transmitting a response. Thus, the encoding permits the several persons involved to define the different categories of persons having selected unique characteristics for contact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to selectively encodable systems forestablishing communication between two parties under the independentcontrol of such parties.

In the prior art, various radio-type signalling systems have beendisclosed for various purposes. Reference may be made to the followingas showing various systems.

U.s. pat. No. 2,845,619 to Robert E. Rawlings 7-29-58

U.s. pat. No. 3,440,635 to H. B. Hull 4-22-69

U.s. pat. No. 3,473,127 to R. E. Williams et al 10-14-69

U.s. pat. No. 3,478,344 to F. K. Switzgebel et al 11-11-69

U.s. pat. No. 3,588,858 to Thomas P. Demuth 6-28-71

U.s. pat. No. 3,609,741 to Wendell S. Miller 9-28-71

U.s. pat. No. 3,618,059 to Milton F. Allen 11-2-71

U.s. pat. No. 3,796,958 to Paul M. Johnston et al 3-12-74

The patents disclose various modes of radio communication for differentpurposes which may be briefly summarized as follows.

Rawlings discloses encoded transponder signals in a radar system, andMiller discloses baggage protection transponding apparatus.

Hull discloses a personal broadcasting device for direction finding inpolice work and the like.

Williams discloses a broadband detector for covert radio frequencybroadcasts.

Switzgebel discloses a central station communication with portableremote transceivers.

Demuth discloses a portable transmitter with automatically actuatedmeans to signal a mishap to the user.

Allen generally discloses a magnet-controlled switch in an alarm systemfor protecting articles, and Johnston discloses particular transmittercircuitry.

Although such devices have been suggested, none are uniquely constructedand interrelated to permit a unique matching of parties based uponselective actuation of the units by the two parties involved. Thus, invarious situations, it would be highly desirable if a party couldtransmit to a total class of different categories or subclasses inaccordance with any one of a plurality of categories and with thosewithin a particular category notified and capable of respondingautomatically or selectively.

Thus, the prior art does not suggest a personal selection and contactmeans from a category of persons which is provided by the structure andfunctional results and advantages of the present invention, which isfully set forth in the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system of introducing people toeach other by matching remote calls-and-responses based upon preselectedencoding transmitted and received signals representing predeterminedcharacteristics. In the present invention, two or more persons haveindividual transmit-and-receive apparatus which are selectively encodedto transmit, and to respond, only to selected broadcasted signalsrepresenting one or more characteristics such as desired physical and/ormental states or characteristics. An individual transmits a selectedsignal which will be received by any other apparatus tuned to suchsignal, and, if conditioned, activated to indicate such receipt. Aspecial different encoded signal is transmitted by the receivingapparatus which, in turn, is received by the transmitting apparatus andis activated to indicate that his original signal is being acknowledged.The parties can then advance and meet. The apparatus may be furtheruniquely constructed to further indicate proper approach, such as by aprogressively increasing signal. In a particularly novel construction,the apparatus may be further provided with a decoy means such that ifthe receiving party decides not to meet, the apparatus can be switchedto create a false signal, such as the reversing of the characteristiccreated to assist the parties approaching each other. The apparatus inthe broadest aspect employs either overt or covert indicating means, andthe broadcast may be directional or non-directional. The broadcastitself, in a practical application, is not evident to the human senses,being, for example, a radio broadcast, an acoustical broadcast atfrequencies out of the range of audibility or the like. Similarly, wherethe apparatus is to provide decoying, the response indicating meanswould be of the covert type.

As an example of one use of the present invention, the apparatus may beused at a dance or similar gathering of boys and girls. Code of signalsfor the evening may be posted or otherwise agreed on. A girl may encodeher receiver to respond only to a transmitted encoded signal meaning "Iam a male, I want to dance with you, my music preference is hard rock".When the signal is received, the receiver of the girl indicates receiptof the appropriate signal such that the male may approach her withassurance of acceptance based on interests in common. Generally, thefemale has a similar transceiver and may control her response such astransmission, either automatically or by positive act, of a properlyencoded transmission which is, in turn, received by the transmitter.When such communication is established the male may move to the femaleby following the signal which will have a level related to the distanceof separation. At any time she may switch off her receiver, transmitteror both. Within the broadest aspect of this invention, the receivers maymerely have a coded response means such as visual display lamp or thelike which is directly encoded or adjustable selection means to allowthe receiver to vary the category within which the party is to beincluded. The dual selective control is, of course, preferred to allowcomplete control as subsequently discussed. By using directionalapparatus and gain control the users can achieve various desired degreesof azimuthal and proximal selectivity.

Business, control and similar uses of the device may also be provided.For example, any number of safety personnel in a crowd can readilyidentify each other as law officers, or prospective bidders at anauction who desire to combine purchasing power in buying can rapidly andreadily locate each other. In these and numberless other limited rangesituations better control can be exercised through identification oflike interests among two or more people, simultaneously or sequentially,with evident or hidden signalling being employed as appropriate.

It will be appreciated that using integrated circuits, the devices canbe made economically and in such small size as to fit conveniently intoa conventional shirt pocket or trouser pocket. The units also provide abasic system which can be tailored to various functions and thus providefor rent as well as purchase of the units.

The present invention provides an improved and simple means forselective attraction of parties with selected common interests.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the system will becomemore readily apparent on examination of the following description,including the drawings, in which like parts are referred to by likereference numerals.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in use;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a transceiver;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic of the system such as shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment providing a wide encoding rangeand a decoy means; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 analogously diagram further embodiments, with parts brokenaway and sectioned to show certain details.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention in use for attractingand selecting male and female partners at a dance. The several personsare identified as P₁ --PN. A first person P₁ presses an actuator 1 of aradio frequency transceiver 2 constructed in accordance with thisinvention. The transceiver 2 is set to transmit as shown at 4 at aselected frequency by a frequency adjustment or selector means shown asa rotary switch 3, such that the broadcast signal 4 is encoded to aparticular class of partners with the general group in attendance at thegathering. Thus the various prospective partners P₂, P₃ . . . PN havesimilar transceivers 2 which, in the exemplifying dance situationportrayed, can respond to any one of the various encoded signals whichcan be transitted.

To respond only to initiators with announced tastes of interestcorresponding to their interests, the prospective partners set theirtransceivers 2 such as by a coaxial control 3a to respond only to asignal of particular coding corresponding to their specific interests.The transceivers 2 may also provide for response control such thatrespondents can, by means of appropriate switching, automaticallytranspond to the initiator's unit. Thus, the decoded signal wouldsimulate activation of the actuator 1. The recipient P₂ --PN, thusprovides a signal to the initiator P₁.

Upon receiving a response in synchronism with his signal transmittal,the initiator can approach the responder with confidence not only ofmutual interest, but of receptive mood.

FIG. 2 illustrates the exterior appearance of one embodiment of aradio-frequency transceiver 2 such as constructed for use according tothis invention.

Selector switch or controls 3 and 3a provide for selective signalencoding and decoding, each channel being related to an operationallydistinct frequency or an otherwise separately encoded signal.

Transmit button 1 energizes a conventional, internal circuit whichbroadcasts as at 4 by means of an antenna 5 to initiate signalling. Thesame antenna 5 may also receive signals according to conventionalpractice. The system preferably, as subsequently described, includes atiming means to provide time spaced transmission periods separated byreception periods. The received signals 4 are amplified by means ofconventional IF and power circuits such audio oscillating techniques, toprovide an audible output to the user by means of speaker 6. A controlswitch 7 may permit the user to control display of signals received onthe preselected channel for audible or visual response if privatecommunication is not desired. A power on-off switch 8 is shown tocontrol use of the transceiver. The unit may also provide for usualaudible communication via a microphone unit 9 under control of a switch10. For other forms of physical response to a received signal, such asvisual, vibration or the like, a corresponding output device may beactuated under a separate control switch 11. A switch 12 may provide forautomatically transmitting a response or acknowledge signal in responseto receiving a signal to which the decoding circuit is set.

Each transceiver 2 thus includes a response means such as an audiblemeans, a visible means, or a vibratory signal reception indicator,preferably detectable only by the person receiving a transmission toestablish completely private communication. The signal recipient maycontrol the response by depression of his or her transmit button 1. Thetransceiver 2 may thus be set to return to the initiator a signal, or ifswitch 12 is operated, to automatically provide a transpond-responsewhich automatically transmits such signal in response to receiptthereof.

In addition, a separate visual display such as a light-emitting diode 13which is ribbon-hung around the necks of the prospective partners, maybe provided and suitably connected to an output jack, not shown, intransceiver 2. Thus, an initiator may transmit a signal and by visualreview look for an appropriate response. The displays may be madevisible from front, and from the back as at 13'. This, of course,eliminates controlled approaches and may create confusion if asubstantial number of people transmit at once and the various signalsare simultaneously acknowledged.

In summary, to determine which of the prospective partners havecompatible interests with his, the initiator first encodes histransmitter to emit a signal characteristic according to a code madeavailable to all, as by wall plaque 14. Next he braodcasts theparticular code he selects and waits for a partner or partners toresponse and thereby invite his attention.

Any one of those in attendance may, of course, be the initiators orresponders, the example relating to a single initiator being given forsimplicity of explanation only.

Using integrated circuit design and a few milliwatts of power thetransceiver/display units can be made smaller than cigarette packages,for handy belt-clip, or pocket carriage, and still have the necessaryrange of at least several hundred feet such as required as the usualsocial gathering or even greater distances as determined by theparticular application. As subsequently noted, the device may employvarious signal sources such as radio energy, infrared energy oracoustical energy.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block-diagram of an embodiment such as in FIGS. 1and 2 employing an RF signal transmission and receipt and using a timedtransmission-reception mode of operation.

In FIG. 3, the receiver and transmitter means are shown by blocks 21 and22, respectively. They may be standard radio communications subsystemsof any carrier frequency or modulation type, compatible with F.C.C. andInternational radio regulations. Obviously, carrier frequencies betweenunits must be identical. Encoder and decoder 23 and 24 are connected tothe transmitter 21 and receiver 22 respectively, and may employ variousconventional schemes for exclusive encoding and decoding. As noted, theencoder in the transmitting unit establishes a unique signal which willbe decoded only by a compatible, properly tuned decoder 24 in thecorresponding receiving unit.

More particularly, the transceiver 2 of FIG. 3 is a dual channel unitincluding a transmission channel 25 and a reception channel 26. Thechannels 25 and 26 are alternately connected to the antenna 5 via aswitching relay 27 which has a normal or standby state connecting theunit to receive transmitted signals. A timing means 28 interconnects thechannels to provide sequential time spaced transmitted signals inresponse to creation of a transmission state and separated by signalreception periods, during which a response may be received. Thetransmission channel 25 includes the conventional transmitting unit 21adapted to transmit any one of a plurality of selected frequencysignals, each of which is encoded to a particular characteristic. Theparticular frequency signal is determined by a conventional encoder 23forming an interconnected part of the transmitting unit. The transceiver2 also includes the receiver 22 for receiving the various frequencysignals, with the output coupled to decoder 24 for restricting theresponse to a particular selected frequency signal which is encoded todefine a particular person type. The receiver output is also connectedto an indicating device for signalling receipt of the signal. The deviceshown in FIG. 5 is the audible means 6 including an audio amplifier 29which is conjointly controlled by the signal via line 30 and the outputof the decoder 24 as hereinafter described. The encoder 23 and decoder24 may be preset to a single signal but preferably include an adjustablemeans such as controls 3 and 3a to permit adjustment of the severalsignals to be transmitted and/or received.

The timing means 28 includes a pulse or short period timer 31 connectedto the encoder 23 via a transmit control switch 33 and to the winding 34of the control relay 27 via line 35. Thus, simultaneously with thecreation of a transmission control signal, the relay 27 is actuated toconnect the antenna 5 to the transmitter 21. Relay 27 is shown as asingle pole, double throw switch having a common pole 36 connected tothe antenna 5 and selectively moved from normal engagement with thereception contact 37 into engagement with the transmit contact 38.

The pulse or short period timer 31 is responsive to a main timer 39 setfor creating time spaced activation of timer 31. The main timer is setfor relatively long periods such as ten seconds and the transmittedsignals are thus sent every ten seconds.

The 1/10 timer 31 is also adapted to be activated in response tooperation of a timer 40 in the reception channel 26. Timer 40establishing a delay period during which the transmission unit canrevert to a receiving unit for receiving of an acknowledge signal. Thetimer 40 is then operable to reset the ten second timer 39 and triggerthe 1/10 second timer 31. In the circuit of FIG. 4, the timer 40 drivesa "one-shot" unit 41, the output of which includes a transistor 41aconnected to the 10 second timer 39. The transistor discharges acapacitor 41b of timer 39 and resets this timer. This simultaneouslytriggers the 1/10 second timer 31 to produce an output pulse to a drivetransistor 42, after which the timer 31 is off until the 10 second timerresets, either as a result of a timing out or again being reset fromtimer 39. The output of the one second timer 40 also activates aflip-flop unit 43 to produce an output for energizing the audioamplifier 29 and producing energization of the reception indicator, suchas the speaker 6. The flip-flop unit 43 is also coupled to the transmitcontrol button 1 which is operable to reset the circuit and turn-off theaudio amplifier 29 simultaneously with the closing of a transmit switch33.

The several components may be readily provided based upon conventionalsignal transmission and reception design by those skilled in the art. Atypical simplified transceiver unit 2 is shown in FIG. 4 in which anaudio transceiver, such as a Model TRC-25A sold by Radio ShackCorporation, is provided with an adapter circuit including a switch toprovide a pair of fixed frequency outputs.

In FIG. 4, the transceiver 2 is illustrated with the standard receivingand transmitting circuits, which are shown in block diagram, having acommon power or audio section 44 coupled to speaker 6 as a receptionindicator or to the transmitter 21 for sending a coded signal. Theswitching means are provided within such common audio section 44 toproduce the alternate transmission and reception via an adaptor circuit45 which includes the timing and relay control means therefore. Thepower switch 8 is connected in the B-1 side of the power supply, shownconnected to the negative side of the battery 46.

The transmit enable switch 33, controlled by switch control 12, is shownconnected to the output of the 1/10 second timer 31 for operating apower control relay 47 and the transmit-antenna control relay 27.

Relay 47 is a double pole switch unit having a winding 48 connected incircuit to the output of the 1/10 second timer 31 and having a set ofnormally closed contacts 49 for establishing signal reception and a setof normally open contacts 50 for establishing signal transmission. Thenormally closed contacts 49 connect switched B-supply line 51 to thereception circuit 26 including the flip-flop circuit 43 and the receiver22 from the battery 46 via the on-off power switch 8 which is shownconnected in the negative side of the battery.

The normally open contacts 50 connect the switched B-line 51 to thetransmitter 21. Thus, whenever relay 47 is energized, the circuit isconnected to transmit a pulse signal.

Simultaneously, the control relay 34 which is also connected to theoutput of the timer circuit, is actuated. Relay 34 controls two sets ofdouble throw contact units 52 and 52a for switching the antenna 5 fromreception to transmission and for coupling the encoder 23 to thetransmitter 21. Thus, contact unit 52 includes antenna relay contacts37-38 of FIG. 3 and in particular includes normally closed contact 37connecting the antenna 5 to the receiver 22 and normally open contact 38connecting the antenna 5 to the transmitter 21.

The second contact set 52a includes normally closed contact 53connecting the receiver 22 to the common power or audio section 44 ofthe standard transceiver and a set of normally open contacts 54connecting the output of the encoder 23 to the audio section 44 forcoupling to the switched transmitter 21.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the adapter 45 includes the ten second timerconnected to actuate the 1/10 second timer for actuating relays 47 and27 for 1/10 of a second after a ten second delay.

The encoder 23 is illustrated as a known free-running circuit having theusual resister-capacitor elements and an amplifier 55 with the resisterelements 56 selected to control the appropriate frequencies. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, one unit is set to transmit at1474 Hz indicating a particular type of dancer while a second receptionunit transmits at 1172 Hz to acknowledge receipt of such a request andthat the receptionist corresponds thereto. In actual practice, theencoder 23 would permit selection of the various encoded signals forselection by the user. As such detail can be readily provided by thoseskilled in the art, such detail is not given for purposes of simplicityand clarity of explanation.

The flip-out unit 43 is a conventional known type unit having an input57 connected to the receiver driven one second timer 40 and a secondinput 58 connected to a reset switch 59 coupled to the actuatorbutton 1. When the button is actuated, the switch 59 is closed and theflip-flop unit 43 triggered to mute the audio output to the speaker 6.The flip-flop circuit 43 includes an output transistor 60 connected toenergize a winding 61 of a mute control relay 62 which cuts off thespeaker during the transmission period. As shown, the relay 62 controlsa set of normally open contacts 63 connecting the output of the audioamplifier stage to the speaker 6. The contacts 63 are in parallel withthe manually controlled speaker mute switching 63a, controlled by thespeaker control switch 7.

The receiver 22 is, as previously noted, connected to the audio section44 via the relay 27 having the relay winding 34 coupled to controlnormally closed contacts 53 and normally open contacts 54. Contacts 53connect the receiver 22 to the audio section 44 which includes an outputtransformer 64 connected to drive the decoder 66, which is also shown inone embodiment in FIG. 4, connected for selective operation of timer 40,the flip-flop circuit 43 and related elements. The receiver signal isalso directly applied via the output amplifier 67 to the speaker outputrelay contacts 63 of the adaptor, which, in turn, is controlled by theswitching of flip-flop circuit 43. In FIG. 4, the decoder stage 24 isshown as a well-known active tone decoder 66 employing a 567 chip withappropriate resistance and capacitive elements, the values of whichdetermine the particular frequency signal which will be received andtransmitted. The decoder 66 is preferably provided with a means coupledto control 3a for selection of the encoded signal to be decoded such asthe illustrated variable potentiometer which can control the frequency.For example, in one embodiment of a pair of specially matched units, oneunit was set to decode a 117 Hz signal and the other a 1474 Hz signal.The units, as subsequently discussed, transmitted the opposite frequencysignal in accordance with the previously described encoding.

The output of the decoder stage 66 is connected to the one second timer40, shown as an appropriately connected integrated circuit 555, theoutput of which is connected via a coupling resistor 68 to the flip-flopcircuit 43.

Coaction of the units of the system elements, such as shown in FIGS. 5and 6, will be best described by two examples, applied to a dancesituation with the frequency 1474 Hz encoded to "I am a male, and preferrock music". The acknowledge signal is encoded to 1172 Hz.

The first example assumes that the one unit 2 is operating with nocompatible set unit 2 in the immediate vicinity. The power is turned onvia switch 8 and the manual reset or transmit button 1 is depressed. Theflip-flop is set and audio amplifier 29 is now muted. The ten secondtimer 39 is running and, at the end of ten seconds (all time delays arearbitrary), the 1/10 second timer 31 triggers and causes a 1/10th secondencoded transmission of a 1474 Hz signal to occur. This timer alsooperates the antenna relay 27 in the model although this function can beeliminated, if desired, with conventionally modifiedtransmitter/receiver designs. This unit is set to decode the acknowledgesignal of 1172 Hz. If an acknowledge signal is not received and decoded,the ten second timer being free-running, the process repeats every 10thsecond.

The second example assumes a compatible pair of units 2 operating withinradio communication range of each other. The first unit operates as inthe first example. When the second unit receives the 1474 Hz signal, thedecoder 66 functions to decode the valid encoded signal and triggers itsone second timer 40 which immediately triggers the flip-flop 43 causingthe audio amplifier 29 to unmute the speaker 6 and alter the user of thefirst unit. The relay 27 is of course deenergized and the receiver 22transmits the received signal via the amplifying stage and couplingtransformer 64 to the decoder 66. The message is also transmitted viathe output stage 67 of section 44 and the speaker control relay contacts63 to the speaker 6. The one-second timer 40 also resets the ten secondtimer 39, for example, on its leading edge and thereby triggers the 1/10second timer 31, for example, on its trailing edge. The other unit 2which had decoded the valid message may automatically or selectivelyassume a like operating mode to that of the first. Thus, the second unit2 is now actuated via button 1 and related switch 59 by the user totransmit the unique 1172 Hz signal which, in turn, is decoded by thefirst unit 2 of the initiator. The decoder output of the first unitdirectly resets the ten second timer and actuates the 0.1 second timer.The two units are now both transmitting the respective unique requestand acknowledge signals for 1/10 second every 1.1 second and both usershave active audio circuits. Proximity of one unit to the other can beapproximated by audio signal strength in the demonstration units, butmore sophisticated techniques could be employed.

The audio amplifier and speaker in this diagram symbolize not onlyaudible, but a vibratory or visible output, both, or all three.Transponding may be provided. For example, an auxiliary switch, notshown, which is coupled, for example, to the relay 62 for delayedoperation and connected in parallel with the reset switch 59 may beprovided such that the speaker is unmuted to signal receipt of a decodedsignal followed by resetting of the speaker and transmission of theacknowledge signal.

An alternate embodiment is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 5 inwhich the encoder or tone source 23 is derived from a multivibratorcircuit of a known construction. The multivibrator is D.C. driven fromthe battery 46a and the input and coupling resistors-capacitors 71-72.The output level of the multivibrator is modulated by a D.C. bias signalderived via a line 73 from the AVC signal circuit of the receiver 22.Line 73 includes a coupling resistor 74. The resistance couplingcontrols the change level associated with the approach of the parties.

With this construction, a decoy system may be provided by connection ofa normally closed switch 75 in the AVC bias line 73. When the switch 75is opened, the AVC signal is removed and the person always appearsdistant. In place of a switch 75, a potentiometer could be employed toartificially create a false range response, thereby effecting thedesired result.

The multivibrator is a well-known and high reliable circuit and canprovide a substantial number of different frequencies over a relativelywide range. In a practical construction, this would, of course, besignificant in permitting encoding of a substantial number ofcharacteristics or categories.

FIG. 6 illustrates in partial section an alternate embodiment 300 of theinvention similar to that of the previous embodiment except that aparabolic reflector 342 is provided in each transceiver 318 withultrasonic transducer 344 at the focus according to conventionalpractice, substituting for the corresponding transmit/receive portionsthe first embodiment, other features being similar. Such transducersserve conveniently as emitter and detector. With a parabolic reflectorfeature, this embodiment is more directional than the first embodiment.Conventional garage door and TV-remote control type circuitry can beemployed in this embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates in partial section a further embodiment 400 alsodirectional if desired. Each transceiver 418 includes a parabolicreflector 442 and infrared source 444 provided in this embodiment and aninfrared detector 446. In accordance with accepted practice this couldbe a coaxial arrangement as an alternative.

In the latter two embodiments encoding may be conveniently andconventionally accomplished through pulsing by tuned, relativelylow-frequency oscillator circuits which, in the receiving mode, mayactuate frequency-sensitive switch circuitry on the power side.

This invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular formsdisclosed herein, since these are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive. It is, therefore, to be understood that the inventionmay be practiced within the scope of the claims otherwise than asspecifically described.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims, particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

I claim:
 1. An interpersonal-signal apparatus for selective signallingof at least two persons each having a small portable transceiver adaptedfor personal use and selectively operable as a request unit and as anacknowledge unit, said transceivers comprising radio signal broadcastersbeing of a size adapted to be hand carried and attached on human apparelfor support such as a conventional shirt pocket, a conventional trouserpocket, a belt and the like, each transceiver comprising a transmissionchannel and a receiver channel whereby the use of two separatetransceivers permits signalling between the two persons, saidtransmission channel of said one transceiver operating as a request unitincluding a signal transmission means for broadcasting a first signalhaving a unique characteristic encoded to a particular personal traitand having selector means for personal selection of the first signal fortransmission, said receiver means having a decoding means responsive toa second signal from said acknowledge unit having a uniquecharacteristic encoded to acknowledgement of said first signal, saiddecoding means being settable to respond to a selected second signalfrom said acknowledge unit and having selector means to set saiddecoding means to one of said second signals, said second of thetransceivers operating as an acknowledge unit with said decoding meansof said receiver channel of said acknowledge unit responsive to saidfirst signal and said transmission channel of said acknowledge unitbroadcasting said second signal, means to indicate an output of saidrequest unit decoding means and said first and second transceiver meansinclude signal modifying means to increase the signal level as thedistance between a pair of transceivers approach each other fordirecting the requesting and acknowledging persons to facilitatemovement toward each other and including decoy means for establishing afalse signal condition and including means to disconnect the signalmodifying means thereby thwarting such facilitated movement.
 2. Aninterpersonal-signal apparatus for selective signalling of at least twopersons each having a small portable transceiver adapted for personaluse and selectively operable as a request unit and as an acknowledgeunit, said transceivers being of a size adapted to be hand carried andattached on human apparel for support such as a conventional shirtpocket, a conventional trouser pocket, a belt and the like, eachtransceiver comprising a transmission channel and a receiver channelwhereby the use of two separate transceivers permits signalling betweenthe two persons, said transmission channel of said one transceiveroperating as a request unit including a signal transmission means forbroadcasting a first signal having a unique characteristic encoded to aparticular request, said transmission means being operable to transmit aplurality of different first signals each encoded to a particularpersonal trait and having selector means for personal selection of thefirst signal for transmission, said receiver channel of said requestunit including a signal receiver means having a decoding meansresponsive to a second signal from said acknowledge unit having a uniquecharacteristic encoded to acknowledgement of said first signal, saiddecoding means being settable to respond to a selected second signalfrom said acknowledge unit and having selector means to set saiddecoding means to one of said second signals, said second of thetransceivers operating as an acknowledge unit with said decoding meansof said receiver channel of said acknowledge unit responsive to saidfirst signal and said transmission channel of said acknowledge unitbroadcasting said second signal, means to indicate an output of saidrequest unit decoding means, said first and second transceiver meansinclude signal modifying means for directing the requesting andacknowledging persons to facilitate movement toward each other, andtiming means operable to transmit at a first periodic rate whenrequesting a person and at a second periodic rate when acknowledgingreceipt of either one of a request signal and an acknowledge signal. 3.An interpersonal-signal apparatus for selective signalling of at leasttwo persons each having a small portable transceiver adapted forpersonal use and selectively operable as a request unit and as anacknowledge unit, said transceivers being of a size adapted to be handcarried and attached on human apparel for support such as a conventionalshirt pocket, a conventional trouser pocket, a belt and the like, eachtransceiver comprising a transmission channel and a receiver channelwhereby the use of two separate transceivers permits signalling betweenthe two persons, said transmission channel of said one transceiveroperating as a request unit including a signal transmission means forbroadcasting a first signal having a unique characteristic encoded to aparticular request, said transmission means being operable to transmit aplurality of different first signals each encoded to a particularpersonal trait and having selector means for personal selection of thefirst signal for transmission, said receiver channel of said requestunit including a signal receiver means having a decoding meansresponsive to a second signal from said acknowledge unit having a uniquecharacteristic encoded to acknowledgement of said first signal, saiddecoding means being settable to respond to a selected second signalfrom said acknowledge unit and having selector means to set saiddecoding means to one of said second signals, said second of thetransceivers operating as an acknowledge unit with said decoding meansof said receiver channel of said acknowledge unit responsive to saidfirst signal and said transmission channel of said acknowledge unitbroadcasting said second signal, means to indicate an output of saidrequest unit decoding means, said first and second transceiver meansinclude signal modifying means for directing the requesting andacknowledging persons to facilitate movement toward each other, andtiming means to actuate said signal transmission means to periodicallytransmit said first signal and having means responsive to decoding ofsaid second signal to change the periodic rate of said first signal. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said timing means includes a firsttimer having a first timing period, a second timer of a substantiallyshorter timing period than said first timer and connected to be actuatedby said first timer, and a third timer actuated by said decoding meansoperable to actuate said second timer and to reset said first timer,said third timer having an intermediate timing period intermediate saidfirst and second timers.
 5. An interpersonal-signal apparatus forselective signalling of at least two persons each having a smallportable transceiver adapted for personal use and selectively operableas a request unit and as an acknowledge unit, said transceivers being ofa size adapted to be hand carried and attached on human apparel forsupport such as a conventional shirt pocket, a conventional trouserpocket, a belt and the like, each transceiver comprising a transmissionchannel and a receiver channel whereby the use of two separatetransceivers permits signalling between the two persons, saidtransmission channel of said one transceiver operating as a request unitincluding a signal transmission means for broadcasting a first signalhaving a unique characteristic encoded to a particular request, saidtransmission means being operable to transmit a plurality of differentfirst signals each encoded to a particular personal trait and havingselector means for personal selection of the first signal fortransmission and including an encoder for selecting one of a pluralityof request signals each having a different unique characteristic encodedto a particular request, first and second timers of a long and a shortperiod connected in series to actuate the encoder at a predeterminedfrequency equal to the sum of said periods, said receiver channel ofsaid request unit including a signal receiver means having a decodingmeans responsive to a second signal from said acknowledge unit having aunique characteristic encoded to acknowledgement of said first signaland having a third timer of a period intermediate said long and shortperiods connected to said decoding means, said third timer beingconnected to reset the first timer and to actuate the second timer andthereby broadcast at the sum of the second and third timers, saiddecoding means being settable to respond to a selected second signalfrom said acknowledge unit and having selector means to set saiddecoding means to one of said second signals, said second of thetransceivers operating as an acknowledge unit broadcasting said secondsignal, means to indicate an output of said request unit decoding means,and said first and second transceiver means include signal modifyingmeans for directing the requesting the acknowledging persons tofacilitate movement toward each other.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5having an indicating means connected to be driven from said decodingmeans, said indicating means having an input control means connected tosaid third timer and to a manual control means for disabling theindicating means during broadcast from its transmission channel.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein said indicating means is a loudspeaker,and said input control means includes switch means connected to mute theloudspeaker.
 8. An interpersonal-signal system for selective signallingof at least two persons, comprising a plurality of transceiver units onefor each of said at least two persons and each of which is adapted to beset to operate as a request unit and as an acknowledge unit and inoperation a first transceiver set to operate as a request unit and thesecond as an acknowledge unit, each of said units including atransmission channel and a receiver channel, said transmission channelof said request unit including a signal transmission means for selectivebroadcasting of one of a plurality of request signals each having aunique characteristic encoded to a particular request, manually operableselector means for selecting the particular one of said request signalsfor broadcast, said receiver channel of said request unit including asignal receiver means having a decoding means responsive to receipt ofan acknowledge signal from said acknowledge unit having a uniquecharacteristic encoded to acknowledgement of said request, saidacknowledge unit including a receiver means having a decoding meansincluding selector means for presetting of the receiver means to beresponsive to the particular one of said request signals and having atransmission means for broadcasting the acknowledge signal having saidunique acknowledgement characteristic for acknowledging receipt of theparticular one of the request signals, each of said receiver means ofeach transceiver unit includes an automatic volume control means, saidtransceiver means each having directing means to facilitate movement ofrequesting and acknowledging persons toward each other and includingresponse control means including amplifying means with an automatic gaincontrol input to relate the output of the transmission means to thedistance between said persons to relate the output of the receiver meansof the transceiver units to the distance between said persons, each ofsaid transceiver units having a small personal portable support means,said transmission means and receiver means being affixed to saidcorresponding support means.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein saidresponse control means includes a manual switch means to open theconnection of said gain control input to said volume control means andthereby maintain said output at an original output.